According to multiple sources, the Phillies have released the following statement regarding the situation:

“The Phillies did participate in the NCAA investigation and a ruling has been issued. We believe it is inappropriate to comment further on either the negotiation with the player or the action taken by the NCAA.”

This one is, well, bizarre. The Phillies have reportedly turned in Oregon State LHP Ben Wetzler into the NCAA for using an agent during last year’s signing process. Wetzler, the Phillies fifth-round pick, chose to return to the Beavers for his senior campaign in 2014. The news was first reported by Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt in a series of tweets:

Several sources have confirmed #OregonState LHP Ben Wetzler was turned in to #NCAA by #Phillies, who drafted him in 5th round last year.

In what is sort of a now open secret, most amateur players likely to be drafted work with agents as “draft-day consultants” to skirt around hiring an agent. This is a practice that has been established for years and Wetzler is not the first nor will be the last to do it but Wetzler was hit with an indefinite suspension for it. The Phillies have also reportedly attempted to turn in Washington State outfielder/first baseman Jason Monda but Monda was cleared to play by the NCAA this Thursday.